There are several individuals in my life right now who I admire. Recently, I learned about some challenges that have come up for one of my friends and I really was impressed at how this person decided to move forward. Her ability to stay focused inspired me.
How do I apply that to what is going on for me right now? When I began this blog it was to share my experience as I train for the Race for the Cure. About a month ago I experienced some back pain that came on suddenly and kept me from my normal running schedule. Last week we had hot and humid weather that kept me from my normal running schedule. I am happy to say that I have returned to my running and am pain free. We lost our internet service after a storm a few days ago and I have not been able to blog. (I attempted this on my cell phone and found it more challenging than it was worth.) Again, applying this today, I draw inspiration from those around me and how they work through the ever-changing experiences of life and what comes our way. I remember to have an attitude of gratitude and keep my focus on my goal.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Race for the Cure Progress
With 34 days to go, I am well on my way in both training and collecting pledges for Race Day! The weather this past week has been much more pleasant for running and I feel good about the progress I've made in training. I spoke to my sister a few days ago and we are both excited about the upcoming event. I head to Denver on September 25.
Looking over the past 60+ days, I must give credit to all who have helped me in this process; my chiropractor, Joannne Chapman, the great nutritional support from Univera products (visit http://juliebrown.myunivera.com for more info), my trainer, Cate, massage therapy and all of those who have pledged their support financially as well.
Looking over the past 60+ days, I must give credit to all who have helped me in this process; my chiropractor, Joannne Chapman, the great nutritional support from Univera products (visit http://juliebrown.myunivera.com for more info), my trainer, Cate, massage therapy and all of those who have pledged their support financially as well.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Where I need to be
This morning I took some time to go through my email inbox to read some emails that I had put off as less important than the ones I address daily. So there were a bunch. I give myself perhaps the first few lines of each and if it doesn't catch my attention then I promptly delete it. It's the same approach I have with reading a book. I give it 100 pages and then make the decision whether or not to continue. This is quite a different approach for my recovering Type A personality. In the past I would have tried to do it all in all areas of my life. I now find that exhausting.
So I opened this email and read some inspirational words stating in general that "we are right where we need to be in the process of living our lives".(http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/19622.html) Wow, how profound as yesterday I came to a decision on a matter that I have been working through for some time. This, I decided, was an opportunity for me to see that I am right where I need to be in my life. It may not be where I thought I would be, but it is right just the same.
So if you are reading this, take a moment to go to the link attached to this title and read "The Daily Om". I hope you are right where you need to be, too.
So I opened this email and read some inspirational words stating in general that "we are right where we need to be in the process of living our lives".(http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/19622.html) Wow, how profound as yesterday I came to a decision on a matter that I have been working through for some time. This, I decided, was an opportunity for me to see that I am right where I need to be in my life. It may not be where I thought I would be, but it is right just the same.
So if you are reading this, take a moment to go to the link attached to this title and read "The Daily Om". I hope you are right where you need to be, too.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Day at the Beach
I have been to the beach more this summer than in the past 5 summers combined. In writing that I somehow feel a need to defend myself as if sitting in a lawnchair in front of the water is actually doing "nothing". I admit I have had more down time this past week than earlier in the summer, but I have been waiting for this. Rather than take a week of summer vacation this year, my husband and I have been taking long weekends this month. Half way through the month and I realize how much I needed these shorter weeks and longer weekends.
As I sit in my chair watching the waves, I am also able to admire the surroundings in so many others ways. We have had very good company with us leading to some interesting conversation. I am always acutely aware of my surroundings and most often we are within earshot of a young family with children. Both my husband and I are "kid lovers" so we often look longingly at the parents playing in the sand building sandcastles or flying kites. In fact, one day last week we visited the beach for the first time with two of our grandchildren. It was a lot of work hauling everything in, but so much fun, too.
I love that children can be so present and that everything is so new through their eyes. I have become better at not multi-tasking when I am with my grandchildren because I know this time is short. I want to enjoy it. Yesterday, my husband and I sat rather impatiently waiting for Finn to wake up so we could play with him. Oh, to hear the new words and see him make connections to people and things as we ask him "where is Nana, Papa, book, etc. And this weekend the yougest one, Blake, took his first steps. That was exciting itself, but then our daughter sent us video on the phone to watch it happening over and over! That was exciting. So these are the things I am choosing to remember and keep precious to me when I have days full of "busy-ness". These memories will bring me back to what it feels like to sit and be still like spending a day at the beach.
As I sit in my chair watching the waves, I am also able to admire the surroundings in so many others ways. We have had very good company with us leading to some interesting conversation. I am always acutely aware of my surroundings and most often we are within earshot of a young family with children. Both my husband and I are "kid lovers" so we often look longingly at the parents playing in the sand building sandcastles or flying kites. In fact, one day last week we visited the beach for the first time with two of our grandchildren. It was a lot of work hauling everything in, but so much fun, too.
I love that children can be so present and that everything is so new through their eyes. I have become better at not multi-tasking when I am with my grandchildren because I know this time is short. I want to enjoy it. Yesterday, my husband and I sat rather impatiently waiting for Finn to wake up so we could play with him. Oh, to hear the new words and see him make connections to people and things as we ask him "where is Nana, Papa, book, etc. And this weekend the yougest one, Blake, took his first steps. That was exciting itself, but then our daughter sent us video on the phone to watch it happening over and over! That was exciting. So these are the things I am choosing to remember and keep precious to me when I have days full of "busy-ness". These memories will bring me back to what it feels like to sit and be still like spending a day at the beach.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A New Day
Today is the wedding of Nicole and Jared, two dear friends and amazing people. They arrived in Maine a few days ago and these past few days have been very busy with last minute details. It has been fun to watch and participate in their excitement as well as the festivities.
As I edit this, it has been four days since the wedding and it was spactacular! The weather was sunny and warm, but I don't think it would have been any different for the couple if it had rained. They are so much in love!
Weddings always bring a sense of "newness" to mind for me. It's like a fresh start; a clean slate. Years ago I wrote several articles for the town paper (The Gorham Times) and one of the articles reflected my opinion of making lifestyle changes. Each day is a "do over". One reason people don't have success when dieting, for instance, is that they may do well for days or weeks and then fall. They believe they have failed so they continue to fall rather than waking up the next day and starting new. We all have the opportunity to have a fresh start each day; a "do over".
As I edit this, it has been four days since the wedding and it was spactacular! The weather was sunny and warm, but I don't think it would have been any different for the couple if it had rained. They are so much in love!
Weddings always bring a sense of "newness" to mind for me. It's like a fresh start; a clean slate. Years ago I wrote several articles for the town paper (The Gorham Times) and one of the articles reflected my opinion of making lifestyle changes. Each day is a "do over". One reason people don't have success when dieting, for instance, is that they may do well for days or weeks and then fall. They believe they have failed so they continue to fall rather than waking up the next day and starting new. We all have the opportunity to have a fresh start each day; a "do over".
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Who Benefits?
As I walked/jogged over the weekend along a winding road on the coast of Maine, I was struck again by the incredible beauty that surrounds me here. What a blessing to have this natural environment; the ocean, the smell of salty air, the lush green grass and trees and even the sound of an overnight rain all truly bring me to a place of gratitude.
Last week I held a fund raising kick off for the 5K I will be running with my sister in October to support the Komen Race for the Cure. Many of my friends and family came to support me and to pledge their donations. This again, brought me feelings of gratitude for all the blessings in my life (not to get too sappy here).
I am fortunate to be in a state of wellness that allows me to be active on a daily basis. In the years I spent working at the hospital oncology department's massage therapy program, there were plenty of patients not able to participate in many regular activities. It has been 3 years since my sister's diagnosis and I can recall a visit to her in Denver during the summer she was receiving treatment. There were many highlights during that visit despite seeing her in such a fragile state. I had incredible fun with my niece, Sofia, and nephew, Brynn, at the community pool. Our friend, Nicole, got us tickets to see David Gray at Red Rock Amphitheater which allowed for a welcome respite. These are the visions I hold in my mind while I am training for this 5K. Believing that the money I raise can make a difference and knowing that others will benefit from my effort.
Last week I held a fund raising kick off for the 5K I will be running with my sister in October to support the Komen Race for the Cure. Many of my friends and family came to support me and to pledge their donations. This again, brought me feelings of gratitude for all the blessings in my life (not to get too sappy here).
I am fortunate to be in a state of wellness that allows me to be active on a daily basis. In the years I spent working at the hospital oncology department's massage therapy program, there were plenty of patients not able to participate in many regular activities. It has been 3 years since my sister's diagnosis and I can recall a visit to her in Denver during the summer she was receiving treatment. There were many highlights during that visit despite seeing her in such a fragile state. I had incredible fun with my niece, Sofia, and nephew, Brynn, at the community pool. Our friend, Nicole, got us tickets to see David Gray at Red Rock Amphitheater which allowed for a welcome respite. These are the visions I hold in my mind while I am training for this 5K. Believing that the money I raise can make a difference and knowing that others will benefit from my effort.
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